Morten Larsen studied Cyber Security at Noroff University College. Today, he works as a Security Analyst at Netsecurity, combining technical analysis with customer advisory and cybersecurity consulting.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security at Noroff University College, Morten Larsen entered an industry defined by rapid change and constant new challenges.
Today, he works at Netsecurity as a Security Analyst, with responsibilities ranging from technical analysis to customer communication and security advisory.
– I work as a Security Analyst, but I’m also heavily involved in customer relations and advising clients on security measures. So in many ways, my role is a combination of analyst and security consultant, he explains.
– Noroff gave me a strong foundation
Morten describes the transition from student life to working life as intense, but also highly rewarding.
– The transition into the industry was probably a bit brutal at first, but Noroff prepared me really well for what I would be working with at Netsecurity. The programme gave me a solid foundation for much of what has become my day-to-day work, he says.
He particularly highlights how the degree provided both technical understanding and insight into the broader aspects of cybersecurity.
– I already had the academic foundation in place when I started. Beyond that, it’s about having the willingness to keep learning and continue building on what you already know.
Using technical skills from the programme every day
In his role at Netsecurity, Morten regularly applies much of what he learned during his studies.
– Many of the technical subjects from Noroff are highly relevant to what we do here in the Security Operations Center (SOC). It gives you a strong understanding of how to analyse incidents and work with cybersecurity in practice.
At the same time, he believes that combining technical expertise with experience from other fields is a major advantage.
– I also have a background in sales and customer service, which is very valuable when working with clients. In addition, topics like compliance and security governance, which we covered during the programme, are highly relevant in my current role.
A fast-paced and varied workday
Working in cybersecurity rarely means having a quiet day.
– There’s a lot of communication, recommendations, and follow-up with customers, but also technical analysis and investigative work. At the same time, you constantly get to challenge yourself with new digital threats and scenarios, he says.
A large part of the role involves analysing incidents and security alerts.
– We spend a lot of time analysing what we call alerts, which can either be incidents that have already occurred or signs of something that could potentially escalate into a larger security issue. It gives you the feeling that you’re actually helping make a difference.
– The willingness to learn is the most important thing
For Morten, one quality stands out as especially important for anyone wanting to succeed in cybersecurity.
– The most important thing is being curious and having the motivation to learn. Technology evolves constantly, so you need to stay interested in developing your skills and keeping up with the field.
He also emphasises the importance of building on the knowledge gained during your studies.
– It’s important to keep revisiting and practising the fundamentals you learned along the way, so you continue strengthening your competence over time.
A field with growing demand for expertise
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow both in Norway and internationally.
Through the Cyber Security programme at Noroff University College, students gain hands-on experience with technologies, methods, and real-world challenges used throughout the industry today.
The programme combines technical understanding with practical learning, helping students become better prepared for working life after graduation.
Interested in a career in cybersecurity?
At Noroff University College, you can study Cyber Security and develop practical skills in areas such as network security, incident handling, analysis, and cybersecurity operations.
Learn more about the programme and discover how you can start your career in cybersecurity.